The Black Sheep's Proposal, page 11
Luke’s enthusiasm was growing. “Then carry that rule throughout the gated property, except on designated roads.”
The brothers looked thoughtful, then Chance said, “Would you have a look at our nature retreat?”
Luke wasn’t sure he knew what was going on. “First of all, I’d want to know what you have planned. Do you want to buy all the Rocking R?”
Chance shook his head. “Just the section that is across the creek in the valley. That’s between Brady, you and Hank. Some acreage from yours and Brady’s property, added to the Randells’ property that borders the valley will make up the gated community. Of course, we’d like to work out a deal that makes us all partners.
“We could put up most of the capital. We don’t have endless funds, so we want you to come up with a idea of what such a project would cost us. And if it’s feasible, we would like to hire you as project manager.”
A hundred things swarmed in Luke’s head. This was like a dream, but soon reality brought things into focus. And were the Randells really just wanting the valley land?
“Hold it. Before we get carried away, I need to think about this. And there’s someone who has to give his go-ahead, too. You need Brady to go along.”
“The Rocking R has several sections,” Chance said. “If Brady decides to give up his military career and wants to ranch, there’s enough land so he can raise a small herd and plenty for you, too…to do whatever you want with it.”
Immediately Luke thought of Tess’s horses. She could stay right here and build her business. Hell, she could even expand. Slow down, he warned himself. Wasn’t this how he’d gotten into trouble in Dallas, trusting to easily?
“I’m going to need to talk with Brady, and right now he’s not crazy about me being his brother.”
Cade stood. “Looks like we’ll have to persuade both our cousins that we’ll be there for them. That you’re part of this family.”
CHAPTER NINE
A LITTLE more than a week after the show, Tess walked out of the barn. Thanks to Whiskey’s performance, she now had two more horses to train. She’d worked them both, along with her own today, and was exhausted but knew the extra money would help out. She needed to be prepared for when her dad needed more care.
Time was running out for her, too. She wasn’t sure what was going on with the Rocking R. She had to be prepared for if or when Luke sold the place.
When she’d let him stay with her the night of the horse show, she’d known the facts of life. There hadn’t been any declarations of love from him, or any promises to stay in San Angelo. Still, Tess hadn’t been able to resist him. He’d charmed her with kindness and thoughtfulness, not to mention his sex appeal. How could she not fall in love with the man?
She’d been walking around in a daze just waiting for him to return. He’d gone to the hospital in Washington again, trying to convince his brother to sell part of the Rocking R. She wanted to hate him for not loving and cherishing the place the way she did. But deep down she knew he cared more than he let on, and there wasn’t any choice for him.
But even worse, Luke was walking away from more than just the land, it was his family. Whether he knew it or not, it was going be hard for him to leave the Randells. She hoped if that day came, he’d be sorry to leave her, too.
Tess made her way past Luke’s house and down the gravel road where a yellow school bus had just pulled up. She watched with pride as Livy climbed off and waved at the driver before starting toward her. As much as she hated her daughter being away, Livy loved going to school and all the new friends she’d made. Unlike her mother, the five-year-old was a social butterfly.
Livy spotted her and took off running to her. “Mommy, look at my picture. I got a star.” She held up the drawing of a large dark horse.
“Wow, that’s great.”
“It’s Whiskey,” her daughter said.
“I can tell by his markings. I’ll have to hang this one up, for sure.”
Hand in hand they started down the road. “I really wanted to give it to Mr. Luke.”
Tess’s heart sank. Her daughter was so attached to him. What would happen if he left? “Well, he isn’t home yet.”
Livy’s smile faded. “Is he coming back?”
She nodded. “Remember, he went to see his brother in the hospital.”
“I know. He has a broken leg.” She glanced up at her mother. “Maybe I should draw him a picture, too.”
“That would be nice.”
As much as Tess tried to keep her feelings for Luke at bay, he’d managed to sneak into her heart deeper and deeper, even though they hadn’t had much time together since the horse show. The day he left for this trip, he pulled her into his arms and gave her a slow, drugging kiss that was filled with promise and hope. By the time he released her, she could barely stand on her own, making her imagine it was possible they could be together. Then two days had passed without a word.
They were just passing the house when a car drove down the road. Luke’s BMW. He honked as he pulled into the drive.
Livy jumped up and down. “Mommy, Mr. Luke is home.”
Tess couldn’t help but smile. “I can see that,” she said as Luke climbed out of the car.
He waved and walked toward them. For the first time in a long time, Tess saw a different man. He was dressed in suit trousers and a white shirt with a tie. There was little resemblance of the laid-back cowboy she’d come to know and love.
This man was all about business.
“Hi, Mr. Luke. You’re back,” Livy cried and she went to him. “I made you a picture ’cause I missed you.”
“Hi, shortcake.” He hugged the girl. “I missed you, too.” He glanced over the picture, “This is great,” he said then looked at her. “Hi, Tess.”
“Hi, Luke.” She felt achy all over, needing to feel his arms around her. “It’s good to have you home.”
“It’s good to be back.” He sighed and glanced at his watch.
“Mr. Luke.” Livy tugged on his sleeve. “Maybe you can go riding with us. Mommy, can we go?”
“Right now isn’t a good time, shortcake,” Luke answered. “I have a meeting in a few minutes.”
“Oh…” She lowered her head in disappointment.
“We’ll make it another day.” He knelt down. “Hey, why don’t you go hang your picture on my refrigerator? There’s tape in the drawer by the phone.”
Luke watched Livy until she disappeared into his house. All the way back to the ranch, he’d been dreading talking to Tess. But he owed her an explanation.
“I wanted to walk to you, but I can’t now. I’ve got a meeting with Buck Chilton and Gina.”
She looked confused. “Your old business partners?”
He nodded. “Buck has an investment proposition he wants me to look at.”
“I thought he was the one who caused you to lose everything before.”
He didn’t deny it. “I’m just going to listen to what he has to offer. Beside, this time I’d make sure I had control of any project, if we get together.”
Her breath caught. “Sounds like you’re already decided.”
“No, I haven’t,” he quickly answered. “I have another offer.”
“For the ranch? You’ve had an offer for the Rocking R. Is that what you wanted to talk to me about?”
“The offer is for part of the ranch. And, yes, it’s part of the reason.” He looked around. “It’s hard to explain, Tess, but I also need to hear Chilton out. There are several investors who are interested in reviving my project in Dallas and here at the Rocking R. I’d lost so much before—including my reputation—that I can’t just leave things the way they were. Can you understand that?”
“So you’ll be moving back to Dallas.” The sadness in her eyes tore at him. “Why should I be surprised. Hadn’t it been your plan all along?”
He couldn’t deny it. “At one time, yes. A lot has happened since then.” He still had trouble telling her his biggest fear. “I met you.”
A car coming down the drive drew their attention. The luxury vehicle parked at the house, and Gina and Buck climbed out. “Damn. I need to go.” He didn’t want Gina coming down here.
He looked back at Tess, but she already closed herself off. “Don’t let me keep you. You know what they say, Time Is Money.”
“It not like that, Tess. But I have to do what’s best… for everyone.”
“And the hell with your family.”
He stiffened. “Just because we have the same last name doesn’t make us a family.”
It was after ten o’clock when the business meeting finally broke up. Luke was tired when he went to the kitchen and grabbed a beer. He’d been right about Chilton’s proposal. It had been for the Mustang Valley property. Yet, even with the valley land off the table, because it was already promised to Hank, Buck wasn’t about to give up. What surprised Luke the most had been the number of investors Chilton had been able to round up for this project.
In return all Luke had to do was contribute his and Brady’s share of the land that bordered the valley. What wasn’t in the deal was the house and outer buildings and enough acreage to run a small herd if Brady retired to live here.
Luke leaned against the counter and took a drink of his beer. His half brother wasn’t crazy about him to begin with, but Brady had listened to Chance’s pitch about the Randell Corporation’s five-year plan. Would he be willing to listen to Luke about a second offer? Either choice they made, he and Brady had a lot to decide. And somehow they had to agree on it together.
That left Luke a lot to think about before he headed back to Washington. Was the intrigue of Buck’s deal only because he wanted to rebuild his reputation in the business? Was the reason he hadn’t just accepted the Randell deal because he didn’t feel he’d fit in here? He thought back to the little boy who’d been devastated when he lost his home and his father.
Could he really be a part of this family again?
Then there was Tess. His decision affected her, too. He cared about her and her family. Even if he chose to return to Dallas, he wouldn’t abandon her. Her horse-training business was here in this area. She’d needed a place for Ray, for Livy. He was reasonably sure that Brady wouldn’t object to her living in the house, and her using the corral and barn.
So if Luke chose Buck’s deal and returned to Dallas, that would remove any guilt he felt about selling part of the ranch. Tess would have her dream and he’d have his. Isn’t that what he’d worked for? Getting back into the game with the big boys.
Luke’s attention went to the refrigerator and the picture hanging crookedly on the door. A funny feeling rushed through him thinking about little Livy. He found he’d looked forward to seeing her every day, sharing things with her and her mother. Strange how in only a few weeks he’d let three women and one old man get under his skin. Not to mention a bunch of rowdy cousins.
“Hiding out?”
He looked around to find Gina standing in the doorway.
“I got thirsty.” He raised his bottle of beer.
“I hope you’re not having second thoughts.”
“Believe me, I’m having more than a few. Buck’s offered me a great deal once before, and look how that turned out.”
“That isn’t going to happen again, not with all your demands in writing.”
“It’s just good business.” Luke wasn’t fool enough to make any mistakes this time. He’d never lose everything again. But the gamble was even bigger now. There was Brady to think about. His brother’s military career was on the line. Luke had learned that pilots who had to eject from their planes had to go in front of a review board to be deemed fit to fly again. For Brady, he still had a long time to go before that happened, if ever.
Gina came across the room. “I have to say, it’ll make me happy if you come back to Dallas.” She placed her hands on his chest. “I’ve missed you.”
He removed her hands, hoping that she wasn’t offering anything else to sweeten the deal. “It isn’t a good idea to mix possible business with pleasure.”
“If you’re worried about me leaving you again—I won’t. I made a big mistake.”
He doubted that. If anything, Gina was loyal to herself and maybe her daddy. “I want something different now, Gina. And I’ll never work with someone I can’t trust.”
She glared at him. “It’s her, isn’t it? That cowgirl.”
He wasn’t going to give Gina any information about Tess. “This is a business deal, and if I accept it or not, that’s all that will be between us.” He sighed. “And I believe it’s past time to end this meeting.”
Her anger was obvious. “I hope you aren’t foolish enough to pass up what’s right in front of you. Because Daddy is giving you a second chance, and you should take it. So there’s only one choice to make.” Then she marched out of the room. He heard voices then and the sound of the front door closing.
“If only that were true,” he murmured, “life would be so easy.” He went to the window and saw the light on in the barn. Tess. He felt his body tighten with need as he recalled their night together. How she felt in his arms. Suddenly he knew. Somehow he needed to find a way back to her.
* * *
It was nearly midnight when Tess walked out of the barn, aching with fatigue. She’d groomed Dusty and Lady, cleaned stalls and polished tack, hoping the hard labor would drive everything from her mind and allow her to sleep tonight. Help her forget.
When Tess recognized the shadowy figure coming toward here, she tensed. No, she didn’t want to talk with Luke. Not now.
“Tess,” he called as he came into the light. “What are you doing out here so late?”
“I was working.”
“You need sleep more.”
“I can take care of myself, Luke. So don’t worry, I’m headed to bed right now.” She tried to move around him, but he reached for her.
“Could you give me a minute, Tess?”
She didn’t want to listen anymore. “I’ve heard it all, Luke. We’ve talked it to death. And in the end you’ll go back to Dallas.”
“That hasn’t been decided yet.” He paused. “But that doesn’t change the fact that I care about you.” He drew her into his arms and kissed her.
She put up a weak protest, but soon surrendered to the sensations he created, to the need, to the desire. She ached for this man, probably always would, but it didn’t mean that was a good thing. Not when he wouldn’t be there for her, not when money meant more than family.
She broke off the kiss and stumbled backward. “You have every right to sell the ranch, Luke.” She blinked back tears. “But I don’t have to like it.”
“It’s only part of the Rocking R. And remember, I’m not in this alone, I have to give Brady the chance to look over all the offers, too.”
“He’s going along with your plans to develop the land?”
“He’s practical, Tess. We can’t afford to keep this place going without generating some income.” Luke took a step closer. “Tess, I don’t want you to have to leave here. No matter what I decide I’d never let that happen.”
Tess’s chest tightened. “Would that ease your conscience, Luke? Well, don’t worry, I can take care of my family. But the Rocking R is more than a just land, it’s been in your family for generations. And selling to the highest bidder doesn’t seem right. You might have had issues with your father, but don’t give away your heritage.”
She brushed away a tear. “You’ve been given a second chance here. A chance to put down roots, to make a real home. That’s got to mean something to you. How can you think about selling it to strangers?”
“Maybe because I don’t have a choice.” He shrugged. “Maybe what I want is out of my reach.”
Tess wanted to argue that fact, but he had to make this decision on his own. If he didn’t want her, it was better if she let him go now. She shook her head. “Maybe you aren’t reaching far enough for that dream.”
His eyes were pleading, then quickly he turned angry. “I stopped dreaming a long time ago. They never came true.”
Tears clouded her vision. She knew he was talking about the young boy who left here years ago. “It could this time, Luke. Trust in yourself, in your family. Just don’t walk away.”
She watched the emotions play across his face. “I’ll let you know what’s decided about the ranch.” His gaze held hers. “Good luck, Tess.” He turned and walked off.
Tess hugged herself, the ache in her chest almost unbearable. She had to fight to keep from going after him, knowing in the end if he truly wanted to leave she couldn’t stop him. And soon she’d just be a distant memory.
She prayed the same thing would happen for her, that someday she would stop loving Luke. But she knew it was going to take a long time.
Over the next week Luke managed to keep busy. He kept in close touch with the architectural firm that the Randells had hired to draw up tentative plans for the Mustang Valley project, which had been officially named Golden Meadow Estates.
Buck Chilton had been in close touch, also. His architect was due to send him plans by the following week. Luke had flown to Washington to see Brady again, giving him Chilton’s offer to go over. He hoped that his brother would be the one to make the final decision, or at least, buy him out of his half of the ranch. Then Luke could go back to his life in Dallas to try to start over.
In his makeshift office in the kitchen, he leaned back in the chair. If the Randell project went ahead, the only thing they’d wanted from Brady or him was the land, and that Luke take the reins as project manager.
And there were always risks in real estate. Thank goodness the Golden Meadows Estates target market was a wealthier clientele. The corporate type who wanted the quiet ranch life without all the work. All they needed was to load up the horse properties’ homes and stables with all the right high-end amenities to impress buyers.
Luke rubbed his eyes. His thoughts turned to Tess. Since last week he’d only managed to sneak a glance at her from the bedroom window when she worked in the corral. He’d also spotted her loading Whiskey into the horse trailer. Later he learned she’d gone to another show. Chance had called and asked if he’d wanted to go, but Luke declined. His cousin later reported back that she’d placed well again.
